PY418-6-SP-CO:
Philosophy of Mind
2023/24
Philosophical, Historical and Interdisciplinary Studies (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
17 October 2023
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module examines different ways of understanding the mind, mental states, mental processes, and mental abilities.
We will begin with a survey of different positions that have been taken on the so-called mind-body problem, considering various forms of dualism, behaviourism, mind-body identity theory, functionalism, anomalous monism and eliminative materialism. We will consider accounts of the role of the mind in (a) judgment and (b) action. We will use philosophical resources to examine some classic disturbances of the mind such as hallucinations and delusions. We will consider the phenomenon of mind-reading (which is not confined to magic shows and carnivals!), and conclude with a consideration of the laws distinctive interest in the mental – whether in considering a person’s intent to commit a crime, the presence or absence of mental disorder, or what is known in law as mental capacity.
The aim of this module is:
- To introduce students to central issues and developments in the philosophy of mind.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Have a grasp of contemporary metaphysical and epistemological theories of the mind, as well as a grasp of some of the key issues surrounding particular mental phenomena.
- Be equipped to undertake study and independent reading that assumes familiarity with contemporary philosophy of mind.
No additional information available.
This module will be delivered via:
- One 2-hour lecture per week.
- One 1-hour class per week.
There will be a Reading Week.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Reading Preçis 1 (=500 words) |
|
15% |
| Coursework |
Reading Preçis 2 (=500 words) |
|
15% |
| Coursework |
Essay 1 (1500 words) |
|
35% |
| Coursework |
Essay 2 (1500 words) |
|
35% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Wayne Martin, email: wmartin@essex.ac.uk.
phiquery@essex.ac.uk
Yes
Yes
No
Dr Josiah Saunders
Durham University
Associate Professor
Available via Moodle
Of 27 hours, 27 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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